Overview
Volvo first paved the way for the brand new niche segment in 1997 when it launched the V70 Cross Country. 16 years later, the V40 Cross Country brings with it the name, the rugged look and also some of the practicality of its bigger stable mate, now named the XC70.
The V40 Cross Country is designed for those who want a sense of adventure every day. An expressive and rugged evolution of the V40, giving increased ride height, practical versatility and the option of All-Wheel-Drive. It features a number of options carried over from the V40, coupled with a few unique features.
Expected to account for 11% of all V40 sales in the UK, the V40 Cross Country joins the model line-up alongside the V40 and the newly launched V40 R-Design.
The chassis ride height of the V40 Cross Country increases by up to 40mm, depending on engine and wheels fitted.
Special attention has been made by the Volvo chassis engineering team to ensure the dynamic drive of the V40 is not lost with the increased ride height of the Cross Country. It has been designed to offer the optimum handling, steering feel, agility and ride comfort.
Safety is, and will always be a top priority when it comes to car design and features. The V40 Cross Country is fitted as standard with Volvo's low-speed collision avoidance system, City Safety, and the world's first pedestrian airbag. These, amongst the many other safety features fitted, ensures Volvo's reputation for safety leadership continues. These features have helped the V40 receive the highest overall score in Euro NCAP's tests. The fitment of City Safety as standard has also resulted in the car having lower insurance ratings after being tested by Thatcham on behalf of the Association of British Insurers.
If owners choose to take a policy out with Volvo Car Insurance, they will receive a 10% discount because of the standard fitment of City Safety, and owners who specify the Driver Support Pack will also receive a further 5% discount on their premium.
Environmental responsibility is always high on Volvo's agenda, with the continuing effort to reduce the environmental impact made by exhaust emissions. The V40 D2 Cross Country emits just 99g/km of CO2 which means both retail and business users benefit from low BIK, road tax and residential parking savings.
The V40 Cross Country is fitted with SENSUS, Volvo's infotainment system, designed to give outstanding connectivity, security and personalisation. Fitted as standard in all specification levels, Bluetooth offers handsfree mobile connectivity, along with music streaming from a compatible device.
The seats fitted to the V40 Cross Country are the same as those fitted to the V40, meaning it offers the same support and comfort, one of Volvo's trademarks. The rear seats offer the same level of comfort with two sculptured seating positions, however there is room for three, all with three-point safety belts.
There are a number of design details fitted to the V40 Cross Country, such as the rimless rear view mirror and illuminated gear-knob, further proof of a clean design focus with crisp and uncluttered detailing.
With City Safety fitted as standard and other collision mitigation systems fitted, fleets can benefit from a reduction in accident costs, vehicle down-time, replacement car costs and general administration and inconvenience caused by accidents. Also, with low CO2 emissions across the range, Benefit-in-Kind figures for the V40 D2 Cross Country starts from £52.10 for a 20% tax payer and from £104.20 for a 40% tax payer for the current financial year.
The V40 Cross Country is available in two specification levels, Cross Country SE and Cross Country Lux. Prices start from £22,595 on the road for the V40 D2 Cross Country SE, up to £33,875 for the V40 T5 AWD Geartronic Cross Country Lux Nav.
Production of the V40 Cross Country started in November 2012 and first customer deliveries are expected to take place in February. All specification levels and the entire engine range are available to order now.
Just over 14,000 V40s are likely to be sold in the UK during 2013, of which just over 1,500 are expected to be Cross Country's.
Exterior Design and Features
The V40 Cross Country offers a more rugged look to the V40, but is still one of the most sleek and eye-catching Volvos ever.
There is a choice of 13 colours, including the distinctive Raw Copper seen on the 2012 Paris Motorshow launch car. All specifications are fitted with contrasting high-gloss black door mirror covers and silver-coloured roof rails.
There are a number of design features that have been designed to give the car a tougher look. The front bumper has been re-designed to incorporate lower black bumper inserts, which also houses new vertical day-running lights and is fitted with a front skid plate. The front bumper is also fitted with a unique larger honeycomb grille. The rear bumper also has a lower black insert, which is fitted with a silver-coloured plastic skid plate with ‘Cross Country' moulded into it. The side sills have also received the Cross Country treatment and are made of the same black moulding as fitted to the front and rear bumpers.
The V40 D2 Cross Country is fitted with a single hidden tailpipe while the rest of the range is fitted with twin visible chromed tailpipes.
The side windows are surrounded by gloss-black trim.
The V40 Cross Country SE is fitted as standard with 16" six-spoke Geminus alloy wheels and 17" six-spoke Larenta alloy wheels on the Cross Country Lux. There is a cost option of upgrading them to the 18" six-spoke Mefitis alloy wheels. All three wheels are unique to the Cross Country.
Volvo's classic V-shaped bonnet has bold edging with wide shoulders that stretch from just behind the headlamps. At the end of the rear door it sweeps into an integrated "hook", a design legacy from the P1800 coupé.
The roof silhouette is wedge shaped and contributes to the lean-forward stance. Rear tail lamps are positioned high, for maximum visibility, and follow the curvature of the shoulders. The broad-shouldered look is another Volvo design trademark, which goes back to the Amazon models of the '50s and was re-introduced on the S80 and V70. A ‘pull' on the D-pillars has given a teardrop shape to the rearmost side window, which has given the rear a distinctive look with a powerful rear shoulder. All this, along with a low ride height improves the frontal area, which leads to better aerodynamics and lower CO2 emissions.
The hexagonal shape of the tailgate is now something of a Volvo hallmark, aligning the V40 design with the look of the V60 sports-wagon. The tailgate design, first introduced on the C30 and also inspired by the P1800ES, is a further Volvo signature.
The V40 Cross Country also has some nice design touches to finish off the look, such as body coloured washer jet nozzles and is the first Volvo that uses hemmed wheel flanges, which allows the use of bigger wheel and tyre combinations.
Smart and practical, the fuel-filler pipe is cap-less and self-closing to make fuel-filling easier.
As well as LEDs being used in the DRLs (optional), they are also used in the door mirror turn indicators, rear position lights, high position rear brake light and in rear number plate illumination.
A fixed panoramic glass roof can be specified, stretching from the front windscreen to the backrest of the rear seats, improves the feeling of light and space in the car and makes the cabin even airier and brighter. The roof is tinted to reduce infrared radiation into the cabin. A fabric curtain, under the roof, provides shade, and can be used to block out the sun for part of the cabin. So the rear passengers, for example, can enjoy sunshine while the driver relaxes in shade.
Interior Design and Features
Volvo's "Designed Around You" can clearly be seen in the design and functionality of the interior cabin of the Volvo V40 Cross Country. It is comfortable, simple in design and visually pleasing. It has been designed to be the most intuitive driver interface ever in a Volvo. The premise is to find everything instinctively and ‘be-at-hand' instantly.
There are a number of unique interior features for V40 Cross Country owners to choose from. Dependent on specification, the V40 Cross Country is available with T-Tec/Textile or leather-faced upholstery. Both types come with coarse visible seams and can be specified in Charcoal or Blonde, or a dual-tone combination of the two colours, and are fitted with mesh pockets on the rear of the backrests.
The TFT (thin film transistor) instrument display, 1st seen in the V40, offers excellent legibility in all light conditions, can prioritise information in emergency situations and also allows the display to be personalised - all part of Volvo's "Designed Around You" philosophy. The three settings in the V40 Cross Country are Eco, Elegance and Performance.
The instrument display also includes navigation instructions, when satellite navigation is fitted.
Both specifications come with a Blonde coloured headlining to give a lighter, spacious feel to the interior.
The floating centre stack, now a Volvo design trademark, is the centrepiece of the V40 cockpit. It was inspired by Swedish furniture and the depth of the stack gives the effect that it "floats".
It's larger at the top and tapers down to help increase knee room for the driver and front passenger. In Cross Country trim, it is available in both the Aluminium trim, but also, uniquely to the Cross Country, in Copper Dawn. It is finished off with a chrome frame to enhance the décor. This chrome trim is also found on the doors, instrument panel, around the centre display, outer air vents, start button and gearshift gaiter.
The cabin is full of easy-to-use technology, all part of Volvo's high-tech but easy to use HMI (Human-Machine Interface). The infotainment system - combining audio, navigation, mobile phone and other functions - is presented on a five- or seven-inch colour screen in the upper part of the centre console. It's set high to make it easier for the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road. All functions can be controlled from the steering wheel, or by controls directly below the screen.
The "My Car" button on the dashboard offers easy access to a wide range of personalised settings for City Safety, Collision Warning, Pedestrian Detection, Driver Alert System, Active Cruise Control, lighting, door mirrors, climate unit, central locking and the audio system.
If the customer chooses a Multimedia audio system, Volvo's infotainment system comes upgraded with the larger seven-inch screen that also displays information and images from the navigation system, phone, reversing camera, DVD player, digital TV and more.
Bluetooth, fitted as standard, allows for not only hands-free phone conversations, but also music streaming from your preferred Bluetooth-enabled portable music player. Integrated navigation with voice commands is available as an option.
Both Cross Country specification levels come as standard with the excellent High Performance Audio System that uses a CD and RDS radio, four 45W amplifiers, USB/iPod input and eight speakers. There is a five-inch integrated colour screen.
The optional High Performance Multimedia system uses a DVD and seven-inch colour display screen.
The top-of-the-range Premium Multimedia Sound audio system is one of the finest car entertainment systems in the world. It has Dolby Pro-Logic II surround sound and Dolby Digital 5.0 Cinema Edition, a DVD and seven-inch screen, 5 x 130W digital class D amplifiers and 10 speakers.
This superb sound system is one of the first, in an automotive application, to use Audyssey Laboratories MultEQ technology, the standard for room equalization in the home and professional theatre markets. MultEQ removes distortion caused by the car cabin's acoustics, enabling crisp, clear sound with improved soundstage for everyone in the car.
A DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) radio is available, as is Digital TV.
Volvo is famed for its seating comfort. On the V40 the seats are new. Like the front seats, the outer rear seats are also noticeably sculpted, to offer greater comfort and support. You sit slightly more inboard than the norm, moving you further from the doors and allowing greater forward visibility. The rear seat is ideal for two people, although there is ample room for three.
There is extensive storage space. Below the armrest is a storage compartment suitable for CDs and other small items. It also has a connector for a USB/iPod. Two cupholders and a 12V power outlet are integrated in the console in front of the armrest.
The glovebox has space for two soft-drinks cans or bottles and is refrigerated with cold air from the Electronic Climate Control system.
Other convenient features include a pen holder in the glove compartment, handy storage compartments under the instrument panel and on the outside of the outer rear seats, and also a drainage hole for an ice scraper built into the driver's door panel.
The interior lighting is designed to give a "theatre lighting" feel. This adds to the luxury feel of the interior, LED lamps are used to light up strategic areas, such as the footwells. The driver can enjoy a red-to-blue setting that adapts the light to the interior temperature - or choose between another seven mood themes. The reading lights front and rear can also be dimmed independently.
The two-piece, 40/60, rear seat backrest can be easily folded in different ways when carrying long objects. The front passenger seat can be folded forward to create even more space.
There is a practical hanging load net in the load compartment. A soft safety net is optional and a metal version is available as an accessory.
The V40 can be equipped with an "extra" floor in the load compartment, making the floor flat when the rear seat is folded. In addition to the two permanent hooks, the extra floor integrates hooks for grocery bags. Between the upper and lower floors there is a concealed storage area.
Driving Dynamics
The V40 Cross Country is fitted with the same Dynamic chassis as fitted to the V40, with a number of changes due to the increase in ride height. The ride height has been made possible by the front wheel spindles, made of aluminium, being 20mm longer, and having modified subframe bushings. To increase the ride height for the rear, the link arms and track rods have been modified.
A huge effort has gone into making the Volvo V40 Cross Country as good to drive as the V40, creating a balance of ride, handling, steering and braking, as well as the driver assistance functions. The ensure the car drives as well as the V40, a number of parts had to be changed: - shock absorbers, springs, ant-roll bars, rear subframe, DSTC tuning and steering gear tuning.
Special emphasis has put into the steering to ensure that it provided an intuitive and linear feel between driver and the road, that way it's very responsive and very precise.
The Electrical Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system uses electric power on a rack and pinion. Early electric steering systems were sometimes criticised for lack of feel but Volvo has conquered that failing, and claims that feedback and feel is now as "as good as a good hydraulic steering system". A key benefit of electric steering is that, because there is no hydraulic assistance, there are fuel economy savings.
The steering column's thick tubing and stiff insulation increase torsional rigidity. This also contributes to the enhanced feeling of direct contact with the wheels and the road.
If fitted with the optional adjustable steering, it allows the driver to choose between three levels of power assistance with varying levels of steering support.
The Electrical Power Assist Steering also allows for the integration of safety and driver support functions that involve the steering, such as Lane Departure Warning and Park Assist Pilot.
The dampers, affecting ride, handling and steering, was tuned mostly in the UK, on the country's legendary B-roads. The V40 Project Team tested every possible area of damping and because of the roughness, camber changes, undulations and the variety of corners, 90 per cent of the damper tuning in the UK.
The dampers include rear monotube designs that have compression and rebound damping done by the same valve. This gives shorter, faster fluid flow, which in turn means that the damper responds more quickly.
The chassis set up - fully independent suspension front and rear, using MacPherson struts at the front - is complemented by a suite of electronic controls, designed to boost safety but also improve driving enjoyment.
The Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system on the V40 Cross Country includes several sophisticated features that offer a unique blend of driving pleasure and safety. The Advanced Stability Control, that is part of it, uses a roll angle sensor that makes it possible to identify any skidding tendency at an early stage. This means that the stability control system can step in earlier and with greater precision. Advanced Stability Control is a great asset in dynamic driving involving considerable lateral forces, improving handling and rapid avoidance manoeuvres.
Part of the DSTC system is used if the car is equipped with a tow-bar. Trailer Stability Assist helps dampen the snaking action that may occur when towing a trailer or caravan. The car is stabilised by braking one or more wheels and by reducing torque.
Corner Traction Control is a feature that uses torque vectoring to make the car corner even more smoothly. The car's inner driven wheel is braked, causing more power to be transmitted to the outer driven wheel. This allows the driver to corner more tightly while reducing any tendency to understeer.
This system makes it easier to smoothly maintain the desired line on winding roads, in roundabouts and on wet surfaces. Corner Traction Control is a huge asset when exiting from a small side road to merge swiftly with faster highway traffic.
A dynamic and safe car obviously needs excellent brakes. The V40 Cross Country comes with four wheel discs, ventilated at the front. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) is standard, and so is Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Brake Assist (EBA).
EBA helps the driver stop in the shortest possible time in an emergency stop. The system detects if the driver is in an emergency brake situation and, even if the pedal has not been pushed with maximum force, it applies maximum braking power.
EBD varies the braking pressure to each wheel - depending on speed and road conditions - ensuring maximum stopping power yet full vehicle control.
Both EBA and EBD work in conjunction with the anti-lock brakes.
Driveline
The V40 Cross Country is available with the same engine choice as the V40, except the T3, and all are fitted with start/stop technology, no matter which gearbox is specified. It has a wide range of turbocharged diesel or petrol engines, both available in four- and five-cylinder forms. In the UK, diesel is likely to account for over 80 per cent of sales.
All V40 engines meet the latest Euro V exhaust emissions standards. They are all fitted transversely, to improve packaging - so more space is devoted to passengers - and also to improve safety: a transverse engine is less likely to intrude into the passenger cell than a longitudinally mounted engine in a severe front impact.
Petrol Engines
New for the V40 Cross Country, but also available in the V40 and V40 R-Design, is the high-performance T5 engine. This five-cylinder 2.5-litre 254hp unit uses an aluminium block and head and is the sportiest choice in the V40 range. It comes with All-Wheel-Drive (BorgWarner Generation 5) and an automatic Geartronic transmission only.
0-60mph acceleration takes just 6.0 seconds, while top speed is 146mph. Despite the high performance, the engine emits 194g/km of CO2 and achieves 34.0mpg on the combined cycle.
The V40 T5 AWD Cross Country also comes with Hill Descent Control.
The four-cylinder T4 engine is amongst the world's most advanced four-cylinder petrol engines, being exceptionally light and efficient.
It is compact and made from die-cast aluminium, which reduces weight and improves heat dissipation. The plastic inlet manifold also cuts weight. The engine uses direct injection to give far more precise combustion with improved performance and emissions.
The variable valve timing and quick-acting turbocharger helps give this petrol engine almost diesel-like lugging power. Maximum torque for the T4 is over a wide rev band: from 1600 to 5000rpm. Maximum torque for the T4 is 240 Nm and produces 180hp.
The T4 is available with six-speed manual transmissions and can be optionally specified with an automatic Powershift gearbox. The manual version of the T4 has a 0-60mph acceleration of 7.7 seconds.
The highly efficient engine gives excellent economy and low emissions of 129 g/km of CO2. It qualifies for free first year vehicle tax and is classified in vehicle tax band D.
Diesel engines
The biggest seller in 2014 is expected to be the 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel D2, accounting for just over 60 per cent. The highly-efficient engine delivers an amazing 99g/km CO2, equating to 74.3mpg on the combined cycle.
With such low figures, it makes the Benefit in Kind company car tax very low. There are also major benefits in other taxation. For example, the sub-100g figure means there is no vehicle tax either in the first year or in subsequent years. It is also currently exempt from the London Congestion Charge.
The D2 is an eight-valve engine using the latest common rail direct injection. Piezo-electric injectors ensure particularly precise distribution of the atomized fuel, resulting in efficient combustion and low emissions. The cylinder block and head are both made from aluminium, ensuring low weight.
Maximum power is 115hp while maximum torque is a healthy 270 Nm, available from 1750-2500rpm. Even at 4000rpm, the engine is still producing almost 200 Nm of torque. The D2 is only available with a six-speed manual transmission. Top speed is 115mph and 0-60 mph acceleration takes 11.2 seconds.
The other two diesel engines on offer are the five-cylinder D3 and D4. Both have aluminium blocks and heads for lighter weight, and use four valves per cylinder for improved breathing.
The D3 and D4 both have 2.0-litre capacities. The D3, likely to be the second best selling engine in the UK - produces 150hp and 350 Nm of torque from 1500-2750rpm. The flat torque curve makes for better acceleration over a broader rev range, meaning it is still producing over 200 Nm at 4750rpm.
On the top diesel version, the D4, the extra turbo boost means power jumps to 177hp and maximum torque to 400 Nm. Maximum torque is achieved from 1750 to 2750rpm. As with the D3, it is also strong even at very low revs: at just over 1000rpm, 100 Nm is being produced. This makes both the D3 and D4 very flexible and tractable.
The D3 and D4 both come with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic Geartronic transmissions. In manual guise, top speed is 127mph (D3) and 130mph (D4), while 0-60mph acceleration takes 9.1 seconds and 8.2 seconds respectively.
Both five-cylinder engines also offer fine economy and low emissions. The D3 produces 117g/km of CO2 as a manual, which puts it in vehicle tax band C. No vehicle tax is payable in the first year. The manual D4 emits the same CO2, excellent for a high performance diesel. Combined fuel economy for both engines is 64.2mpg.
Transmissions
All versions, apart from the high performance T5, come with six-speed manual gearboxes as standard. The petrol T4 and diesel D3 and D4, additionally, come with the option of six-speed automatic gearboxes.
All versions of the V40 come with front-wheel drive. Volvo believes this offers safer and more predictable handling than the alternative rear-wheel drive solution. It is especially advantageous in slippery conditions, such as may be experienced on cold winter days.
Safety
"Cars are driven by people, therefore the guiding principle behind everything at Volvo is, and must remain, safety." declared co-founders Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson. This has been the guiding principle behind everything designed and built at Volvo Cars since the first car was built back in 1927.
Volvo has been a safety pioneer ever since the company was founded with inventions such as the three-point seat belt, the safety cage, rear seat belts and side impact airbags. Continuing this trend, the V40 is fitted as standard with City Safety and the world's first Pedestrian Airbag. Safety features, most fitted as standard, all help the Volvo V40 achieve the highest score ever recorded in a Euro NCAP test, helping toward Volvo's 2020 vision that no-one should be seriously injured or killed in a new Volvo.
World's First Pedestrian Airbag
In Europe, 14 per cent of all traffic fatalities are pedestrians. Accordingly, the Pedestrian Airbag means that, if collision with a pedestrian is unavoidable, the new technology will try and mitigate any injury.
Seven different sensors in the front bumper register the contact between the car and the pedestrian. The rear end of the bonnet is released and at the same time elevated by the deploying airbag, which is sited under the trailing edge of the bonnet. The inflated airbag covers the area under the raised bonnet and approximately one third of the windscreen area and the lower part of the A-pillar.
The raised bonnet - made from soft metal - helps to absorb the pedestrian impact, while the airbag helps to cushion the pedestrian from potentially dangerous hard points on the car, the windscreen and A-pillars.
It works between 12 and 31 mph due to 90 per cent of pedestrian accidents happening below 41mph.
City Safety
City Safety avoids low speed accidents - statistically, the most common type of crash. These accidents typically happen in towns and they typically involve tailbacks of traffic. City Safety either eliminates such accidents or reduces the severity of the impact. The system works up to speeds of 31mph.
A laser sensor, fitted behind the rear-view mirror and looking through the windscreen, keeps an eye on traffic in front of the vehicle. It can detect vehicles up to 6 metres (approximately 30 feet) in front of the car's front bumper. City Safety reacts to vehicles in front that are either stationary or moving in the same direction.
City Safety helps either avoid or reduce the severity of the collision by automatically braking the car and reducing the throttle opening.
Volvo Car UK's own statistics show that chauffeur company, Tristar, reduced its 'at fault' rear impacts by 28% in the first six months of trialling City Safety.
Pedestrian Detection
Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake, first shown on the Volvo S60, uses a radar unit integrated into the car's grille, a camera fitted just behind the interior rear-view mirror, and a central control unit. The radar detects any object in front of the car and determines the distance to it. The camera determines what type of object it is.
Thanks to the newly developed dual-mode radar's much wider field of vision, pedestrians about to step into the road are detected. The system can detect pedestrians who are 80cm (31 inches) tall and upwards - so that includes children.
If a pedestrian is detected, the driver first receives an audible warning combined with a flashing light in the windscreen's head-up display. At the same time, the car's brakes are pre-charged. If the driver does not react to the warning and an accident is imminent, full braking power is automatically applied.
Half of all pedestrian accidents occur at speeds below 15mph. Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake can avoid a collision with a pedestrian at speeds up to 21mph if the driver does not react in time. At higher speeds, the focus is on reducing the car's speed as much as possible prior to the impact, reducing the likelihood of serious injury or death.
Collision Warning
Volvo's world-first Pedestrian Detection is a technical development of the company's Collision Warning system, which uses the nose-mounted radar to warn drivers if they're about to hit another vehicle, and apply the brakes automatically if necessary.
Unlike Pedestrian Detection and City Safety, this automatic braking technology is designed for higher speed, such as that encountered on motorways. A radar sensor fitted behind the grille, and a digital camera behind the windscreen, automatically monitor the distance to the vehicle in front.
If the vehicle in front suddenly brakes, or is stationary, or you are travelling too close, a red warning light flashes on the windscreen and a warning buzzer sounds. The braking system is also automatically pre-charged to prepare for panic braking: the pads move closer to the discs and the hydraulic brake pressure is increased. If the driver does not react to the warnings and a collision is imminent, automatic braking is applied to reduce the severity of the accident.
Automatic braking is only applied as a last resort. If the driver does not react or is too late, the car will automatically brake.
Lane Keeping Aid
The Lane Keeping Aid in the V40 helps the driver stay in the intended lane. This feature applies extra steering torque to the steering column when the car gets close to a lane marking and is about to leave the lane. The system is active at speeds between 40mph and 125mph.
The forward-looking digital camera monitors the left and right lane markings. Lane Keeping Aid registers the car's progress between the lane markings and takes action if the driver shows signs of unintentionally drifting out of the lane.
As a first step, the car applies gentle steering wheel torque to help the driver steer back onto the intended course. If the car leaves the lane, the technology generates a distinctive warning through a haptic vibration in the steering wheel.
Blind Spot Information System
The V40 Cross Country offers enhanced Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which is now radar-based, to help the driver avoid potentially dangerous lane-changing manoeuvres. The technology can monitor and alert the driver to rapidly approaching vehicles up to 70 m (166 feet) behind the car. Of course, it still informs the driver about vehicles in the blind spots on both sides of the car.
The BLIS uses radar sensors located in the rear corners of the car, behind the bumper cover. The radar continuously scans the area behind and alongside the vehicle.
Warnings are displayed in LED indicators located in each A-pillar. A steadily glowing LED indicates when the radars cover a vehicle in the zone. The second warning level - LED flashing - occurs if the driver uses the turn indicator when the first alert is active.
Cross Traffic Alert
Cross Traffic Alert uses the same radar sensors at the rear end of the car to alert the driver to traffic crossing from the sides when he or she is reversing out of a parking space. This is especially helpful in tight and crowded areas where the side view might be limited or impaired.
The function warns of traffic up to 30 metres (100 feet) from the car. Smaller objects like bicycles and pedestrians may also be detected. The alert, which remains active as long as the target is present in the zone, is delivered to the driver as an audible signal and a warning in the centre screen.
Adaptive Cruise Control
To help the driver maintain a safe distance from the car in front, Volvo has developed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). It uses a radar sensor to measure continuously the distance to the vehicles in front and automatically adapts the speed of the car to help ensure the distance is not too short. This technology also forms the basis of several of Volvo's advanced driving and support systems, including Collision Warning, and Pedestrian Detection, with Full Auto Brake.
Driver Alert Control
A unique technology to alert tired and distracted drivers, Driver Alert Control monitors the car's progress between the lane markers and warns the driver if his or her driving pattern changes in a random or uncontrolled way.
Active High Beam
Active High Beam means you can drive on high beam - if you wish - and the car will dip the lights automatically. The advantage is you always get maximum illumination of the road ahead.
A digital camera monitors other vehicles and their headlamps and tail lamps. Advanced image processing software analyses this data and provides information about the position and direction of other vehicles. The calculation serves as the basis for automatic switching between low and high beam.
Active Bending Xenon Lights
Compared with conventional halogen headlights, Volvo's active bending lights - using dual xenon technology - more than doubles the driver's range of vision. The lamps are motorised, and can turn up to 15 degrees in either direction, as they follow the direction of the steered wheels. Thus, they help the driver to "see around corners". The headlights also self-adjust, always maintaining the correct angle to the road, maximising illumination and avoid dazzling oncoming motorists.
Road Sign Information
This technology displays road signs in the instrument display. The forward-facing camera detects speed limit signs as well as "no overtaking" signs and the road sign icon is then displayed until a new sign is detected.
Park Assist Pilot
When this technology is fitted, parallel parking becomes easy as the steering is taken care of by the car, the driver only has to control the speed. The parking manoeuvre is based on front, rear and side-facing ultrasonic sensors.
Other Safety Equipment - all fitted as standard
The all-new Volvo V40 features world-class crash safety including a safety cage with effective deformation zones and various grades of high-strength steel.
Safety belt pre-tensioners are standard in the front and outer rear seats and the front seats are equipped with whiplash protection (WHIPS) to help prevent neck injuries. Both the driver and front seat passenger seat have dual stage airbags. There are also side airbags integrated in the front seat backrests.
The driver's side is also fitted with a new knee airbag. It is installed in the dashboard above the pedals and deployed together with the other airbags in the event of a frontal collision.
The Roll Over Protection System includes a robust body structure, seat pre-tensioners and Inflatable Curtains. The Inflatable Curtains cover both sides, from the A-pillar to the C-pillar, and deploy in frontal offset, side or rollover accident situations.
ISOFIX attachments are standard and Volvo offers thoroughly tested child seats that cover ages from newborn up to 10 years.
Option Packs
To decrease the number of single options, which creates less confusion when customers are ordering and ultimately helps with residual values, Volvo has created a number of value option packs that are grouped within themes.
The Winter Pack groups heated front seats, heated front windscreen and a headlight cleaning system.
The Winter Illumination Pack includes active bending xenon lights, headlight cleaning, LED day running lights, heated front seats, heated front screen and rear reading, theatre and front door side step lights.
The Winter Accessory Pack includes snow socks, rubber floor mats, reversible cargo mat with front and rear mudflaps.
The Driver Support Pack groups Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake, Pedestrian Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control (with Queue Assist on automatic versions), Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Information System, Driver Alert Control plus Active High Beam and the Road Sign Information display.
The Sports Pack includes the lowered sports chassis, three-way adjustable steering with memory plus tinted rear/side windows.
Nav Variants can be specified on both Cross Country SE and Cross Country Lux and come fitted with the fully integrated satellite navigation system with voice activated control, a 7-inch colour display screen and DVD player. As well as full European mapping, two complimentary annual map updates are included.
Accessories
To allow owners to individualise their V40 Cross Country, there are a number of accessories that can be chosen.
19" six-spoke Alecto alloy wheels are available in two main body colours (black stone and light grey) with three inlay colour choices (matt black, raw copper and silver).
A colour co-ordinated styling kit can be fitted, which includes side sill scuff plates, a rear décor trim with skid plate, along with double oval end pipes.
Security
Volvo's On Call system uses advanced telematics to call for help during an emergency. The system uses the integrated GSM telephone and GPS satellite navigation to automatically call the emergency services when an airbag or seatbelt pre-tensioner is triggered during an accident. Alternatively, you can ring the emergency services by pushing a red SOS button located by the front reading light switches.
If the car breaks down or you need help, pressing the Volvo On Call button will put you straight through to a Volvo On Call operator who can offer roadside assistance.
Volvo On Call also offers vehicle tracking in case of theft.
Mobile app
The owner of a V40 Cross Country can use a mobile application to stay in touch with the car via a smart phone. The mobile application is an extension of Volvo On Call, which originally focused on direct access to a call centre in the event of an accident or other emergency.
The mobile app, which is free and downloaded via the application stores, is designed to offer the owner an intuitive, easy-to-use relationship with the car from a distance. It is available on iPhone, Android and Windows smart phones. It includes a number of features:
Personal Car Communicator
Although very similar to the look of the standard remote fob, the PCC can do a lot more than just activate the locks and alarm. A simple push of a button can, within a few seconds, tell the car owner if:
The information is available and up-to-date as long as the distance between the PCC and the car is 100 metres or less. In addition, the most recent data is logged so the owner can at any time and any place check whether the car was locked when it was parked.
Locks, immobiliser and alarm
Standard features include a remote-control key fob that activates an alarm and strong deadlocks. Even if a thief does break into the car, for instance through breaking the glass, the deadlocks make it impossible to open the doors from the inside. The key fob also activates an electronic immobiliser that makes starting the car impossible without the correct key. You can also take advantage of Volvo's "Global Opening and Closing", allowing the user to open or close of the windows and sunroof (if fitted) via the remote.
Customer Test Drives
Together with test drives offered by Volvo Dealerships, Volvo's own Freedom test drive programme allows potential customers, both retail and fleet, to attend a number of different locations to test drive the V40, the V40 R-Design and the V40 Cross Country. Offering two 45 minute unaccompanied test drives, at a time to suit the customer. Bookings can be made at www.volvocars.co.uk/freedom.
